Some of the Christmas stories for kids include Papa Panov’s Special Christmas, The Holy Night, A Christmas Carol, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Christmas Day in the Morning, The Little Match Girl, The Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Christmas Rose.

Come Christmas and you see children gearing themselves up to catch Santa in the act of climbing down the chimney or heading off to bed early so they can get those much-desired gifts as soon as possible.

Somehow the magic of Christmas puts a smile on everyone’s face – be it a child or an adult. But Christmas isn’t just about gifts and toys. Sharing, caring and spreading joy are part of the package and this is the apt time to instill these values in your children and what better way of doing this then telling your child a Christmas story that imbibes all these things because nobody loves a story more than a child.

11 Must Read Christmas Stories For Kids

So here are some Christmas stories that will help put your child in the spirit of Christmas, this season.

1. Leo Tolstoy’s – Papa Panov’s Special Christmas

This story is written by the Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, who was acknowledged for being a great novelist of his time. It is based on the Bible and talks about a man’s desire to give a gift like the wise men did on Christmas. It teaches us how the best way to serve God is by serving others. Thus, this story is good for inculcating the principle of kindness in children.

2. The Holy Night – Selma Lagerlof

This brilliant children’s story is about a cold-hearted, evil-tempered shepherd who finally gets to discover the true spirit of Christmas when he sees how a poor man goes searching for wood just to build a fire to warm his wife and newborn baby in their cold grotto.

3. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Written by William Sydney Porter, this book teaches children about the good that comes from practicing unselfish love. Having and sharing this kind of love with others is equivalent to the gifts of Gold, frankincense and myrrh that were brought by the Magi to Jesus. The love of Jim and Bella showcased in their gifts to one another is far greater than all riches a person could receive.

4. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Though this book contains supernatural elements, these will delight your child while making sure that the bottom line that insensitive and selfish people can and should transform themselves into better human beings, is obtained. The story also brings out the values of generosity, kindness and universal love for others.

5. The Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle – Arthur Conan Doyle

Set in the season of Christmas, the story shows how Sherlock, never being able to stay away from an adventure decides to solve the mystery of the missing carbuncle. This story is delightful for readers of all age groups, especially kids.

6. The Elves and the Shoemaker – The Brothers Grimm

Though considered dark stories, this one has a number of themes like the anxiety of being poor and the helplessness that comes with it, piety toward God – all of which can be used to help your child become better people.

7. Christmas Day in the Morning – Pearl S. Buck

This is a heartwarming story about a young boy’s gift of love. It is centered round sacrifice and the spirit of giving and thus is ideal for kids to read. Reading this iconic story will not just be entertaining, but also educating.

8. Hans Christina Anderson’s – The Little Match Girl

Noted for his children’s stories, Hans Christian Anderson has numerous appealing stories. This one focuses on giving to those who do not have. It brings out the ideals of caring and doing good and helps teach children that they should always be grateful for all they are blessed with.

9. The Snowman – Raymond Briggs

This is a cheerful story that any child would like. It is based on a friendship between James, a young boy and the snowman he creates in his backyard. Full of interesting elements, this is a must read.

10. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

How can anyone forget Rudolph at Christmas? This story is about the well-known reindeer and follows the same pattern of the song. Now, which child wouldn’t love to read the story of his favorite reindeer? But the story also teaches something – looking or being different does not mean the person has no good points or talents.

11. The Christmas Rose – Lizzie Deas

This is a beautiful, poignant story that teaches us that no matter how small a gift, if it is given in love it will always have more worth than something extravagant. Now, this is one story every parent should read to their kids and make sure they learn to appreciate everything you do for them!

Though some of these stories may be centered round fun and gaiety, most of them bring out essential values that you should consider acquainting your child with this Christmas.